Mercury vs Lynx predictions
Looking at Phoenix Mercury, you’ve got to be excited about what Satou Sabally brings to the floor. She’s been a standout with her relentless scoring and work on the glass—averaging north of 21 points per game and pulling down a tough eight boards each night. With Alyssa Thomas sidelined due to injury, there’s even more on Sabally’s shoulders, especially since Thomas was such a facilitator. The Mercury might lean harder on Sug Sutton and Diana Taurasi to orchestrate the offense, hoping Sutton’s ability to push the pace and Taurasi’s veteran shot-making can cover the playmaking gap. Sabally could very well post another 20-plus point night, and if Phoenix finds a rhythm from deep, don’t count them out of any run.
Shifting the focus to the Minnesota Lynx, Napheesa Collier has been the headline grabber. Just coming off a 24-point eruption, Collier is rolling, and her presence in the paint and on the glass (she’s averaging more than eight rebounds) makes her a matchup nightmare. She’s supported mightily by Courtney Williams, who’s quietly been a creative spark on the perimeter and dishing out over six assists per game. Bridget Carleton, too, has provided timely threes and sturdy defense, which could be crucial against Phoenix’s scoring wings. The Lynx love to play up-tempo at home, feeding off that Target Center energy—Collier seems poised for another signature performance, maybe even topping her numbers from the last game.
When it comes down to picking a winner, it’s tough to look past the Lynx, especially considering their unbeaten start and how well they’ve protected home court. Minnesota’s ball movement just feels a little sharper right now, and Collier looks like a true game-changer every time she steps on the hardwood. Even if Sabally goes off and the Mercury get hot, the Lynx have that mix of discipline and swagger that makes them hard to rattle. Fans should buckle up for a competitive game, but my gut says Minnesota’s momentum keeps rolling in this Western Conference showdown.
